Approved contractors scheme
The Company is registered with the () and was awarded the prestigious Approved Contractor Status in May 2007. Refer to: and visit the ACS section.
The Private Security Industry Act 2001 requires the to establish a "system of inspection for providers of security services, under which those organisations who satisfactorily meet the agreed standards may be registered as approved, and may advertise themselves as such".
The objective of the is to raise performance standards and to assist the private security industry in developing new opportunities. The scheme is voluntary and was developed in consultation with representatives from across the industry; it only covers those parts of the industry that are regulated by the and the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (as amended). There is a single scheme, with sector-specific approval based on a relevant set of qualifying criteria.
Licensing
One of the main duties of the is the compulsory licensing of individuals working in specific sectors of the private security industry. Our remit covers the United Kingdom.
Whether or not an individual requires a license is determined by the role that is performed and the activity that is undertaken. These are described fully in Section 3 and Schedule 2 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (as amended).
The activities defined as licensable by the Act are:
Regulation and Industry Change
The private security industry is in a state of positive transition. Government, police, unions and business communities are recognising the critical role that private security plays as a complementary component of assured business and public security. Significant investments are raising standards by attracting high calibre staff, improved training and remuneration and by utilising increasingly sophisticated technology.
The introduced the mandatory licensing of security operatives and now in excess of 300,000 security operatives hold licences. Licensing has helped ensure that those working within the industry are fit and proper persons with the required training to undertake their roles.
If mandatory licensing was the foundation for positive change, then the most powerful catalyst for change has been the introduction of the . This accreditation scheme is based on a quality improvement system that evaluates all aspects of security suppliers operation.
The scheme provides purchasers with independent assurance of a security providers' commitment to quality throughout every facet of their business. Whilst licensing is demanded by law, seeking is a voluntary decision. It's also a commercial decision because, without doubt, the is regarded as an independent hallmark of quality.